Tag: Culture

I’ve never understood poetry very well, nor been able to write it. Recently however, I’ve been pushing myself to read more and more of it and to explore great past poets who contributed to the beauty and richness of poetic literature. And so, darling readers, you’re coming with me! This will be a new section of the blog where I highlight poems that touched me, and that I think will touch you too. Let’s revel in the beauty and mystery together, shall we?

xo. Brie

A Man Young And Old: I. First Love

Though nurtured like the sailing moon
In beauty’s murderous brood,
She walked awhile and blushed awhile
And on my pathway stood
Until I thought her body bore
A heart of flesh and blood.

But since I laid a hand thereon
And found a heart of stone
I have attempted many things
And not a thing is done,
For every hand is lunatic
That travels on the moon.

She smiled and that transfigured me
And left me but a lout,
Maundering here, and maundering there,
Emptier of thought
Than the heavenly circuit of its stars
When the moon sails out.

Like the moon her kindness is,
If kindness I may call
What no comprehension in’t,
But is the same for all
As though my sorrow were a scene
Upon a pointed wall

So like a bit of stone I lie,
Under a broken tree
I could recover if I shreiked
My heart’s agony
To passing bird, but I am dumb
From human dignity

A mermaid found a swimming lad
Picked him for her own,
Pressed her body to his body,
Laughed; and plunging down
Forgot in cruel happiness
That even lovers drown

Hosier Lane is a blue-stone cobbled road tucked back behind some ordinary looking buildings, nothing about it initially would catch your eye. And then you see the art. The graffiti goes up and down the sides of the buildings, with fresh and faded colors melding and blending together to create a swirl of different textures and colors. The art is all different styles, with a good deal of political messages weaved in. Animals, people, words, pictures; all are featured on different parts of the wall.

There’s a stairwell at the heart of Hosier Lane that looks to be straight out of “West Side Story” and gives a sort of historical feel to the area. At least I thought so (then again, I compare most things to musicals, so maybe that’s just me).

Anyway, if you love street art, definitely check out Hosier Lane. What started as basic street art that the city would try to cover up, has blossomed into a well known urban cultural area hidden right behind an ordinary street.

I love records. I have small but growing collection of classic records. However I’m missing one crucial record-lover piece of equipment: a record player. Adora and I happened to be driving down Atlantic Ave. the other day (in hot pursuit of Pad Thai, naturally) and happened to spot The Record Rack, an little hole-in-the-wall record shop. Of course we had to stop in, and what we found was so fun. A small little shop, you can find new albums, old albums, and even new and used record player. The owner restores record players and resells them – mostly for the love of records. We’ve been back a few times already, and Adora has since picked up a used record player that we’re trying to figure out how to wire to modern speakers. But that’s a post for another day.

Some friends and I took a trip down to Wynwood, Miami, to see the walls. In this area, local artists, (and some big names too), come and paint. Everywhere. It’s beautiful, and a fun way to experience art culture in a city.
I find myself often wishing I lived somewhere else. Being from California, I miss the west coast and everything that goes with it; mountains, dry weather, cali beaches, surfing, just the whole culture. And at the same time, I’m dying to head overseas and experience life in Australia, France, and Spain. Backpacking through Europe is definitely on my bucket list.

This was one of my favorites, reminded me of downtown Chicago

But while it’s great the have dreams to travel, I find I can quickly become discontent in my current situation. South Florida is certainly not where I picture myself staying, it doesn’t feel like home, however I might as well enjoy the time here while I have it. Who know what I might miss?

We weren’t sure if we liked this one…

So all that to say, I’m starting a new section here called Love Your City. I’m going to find the beauty and quirkyness of this area, and soak it all in before my time here is over. Let’s explore. Let’s have an adventure.

Of course we had to stop at Panther Coffee, the best coffee spot in Miami